Truckin

Washington Times:

About a dozen longhorns rambled through the heart of Motown this week — part of a promotion by Chrysler for its new Dodge Ram truck.

The cattle drive that opened the North American International Auto Show on Sunday was attention-grabbing and nostalgic, just like the truck, which continues to captivate the nation's fancy.

Whether it's a vintage Ford model chasing a desert sunset down Route 66 or a gleaming new $48,000 Toyota Tundra running headstrong in the travel lane of an urban beltway, the truck remains a mainstay.

The truck has served as the workhorse of farmers and the muse of country crooners since it made its way onto the U.S. landscape in the 1920s and '30s. And now it also captures the macho appetite of suburbanite drivers, many of whom have traded in their BMWs and zippy sedans for something bolder, bigger and in many cases, more luxurious.

"I love my truck. I would never have anything but a full-size truck again," said Mike Dame, a Web communications director from Blacksburg, Va., who gave up his sporty Acura Integra for a sturdy Chevrolet Avalanche three years ago.

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Until you have had one it is hard to appreciate how handy they are. Nearly 10 years ago I bought a 91 Ford Ranger for $3,000 planning to keep it for six months, thinking that if I liked it I would trade for a new full size truck and if I didn't I would go back to sports cars. I still have it and have put about 12,000 miles a year on it with minimal maintenance expense. I have hauled a lot of lumber and appliances with it and it still handles it with ease. I have just never had a reason to get rid of it. I am on my third radio. The first did not get the upper AM band which was expanded after 91. I recently got a Sony with a CD player. The only other little quirk has been side mirrors. I am on my third set.